#tomorrow i'm going to rewatch the movie and do it all over again!

[chell-min]

thank you, fujino.

[sturniqlo]

Want You- C.S

summary: headcannons of bff!chris who is in love with bff!y/n but they're both to afraid to say anything so they just flirt and do couple things without being official.

cw: cursing, suggestive material, fluff

an: lowercase intended | mix of both sfw and nsfw

masterlist

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bff!chris who cuddles you no matter what

"time for the best part of my day." chris says before hopping into his bed, wasting no time in cuddling his best friend y/n. "which is?" y/n says jokingly, even though he always says that anytime she stays over. "being able to cuddle you all night, you know i hate sleeping alone." he says, pressing a small kiss to her hoodie covered shoulder before hiding his face into her neck. "i know, i know." she says while running her hand in his hair.

"let her breathe, chris. my god." nick says as he comes down the stairs and sees his brother laying on top of y/n. "shut up, you're just jealous." he says lifting his head slightly before putting his face back in her neck. y/n only giggles, continuing to lightly scratch his scalp.

"wait, scroll back up. i wanna watch it again." he giggles and lifts his arm from around her waist to wipe his tears from how hard he was laughing. y/n scrolls back up and they rewatch the video and busy out laughing at the stupid video. chris buries his face in her tummy and continues laughing.

bff!chris who gets jealous whenever a guy looks at her

"what?" she says as she feels chris wrap his arm around her waist. they were currently at a club for their friends birthday. "that guy is looking at you." he nods his head towards the guy. y/n looks at the guy and decides to mess with chris a bit. "ouu, he's kinda cute" she teases "y/n, be serious." he says in her ear. "i'm kidding, i have my eyes on someone else."

"see that guy over there?" chris says as y/n looks through a rack of clothing. "where?" she looks around. "that one wearing the ugly brown tie dye shirt." y/n spots who's he's talking about. "what about him?" she continues to look through the clothes. "he keeps staring at you." chris glares at him. "stop glaring."

bff!chris and bff!y/n who accidentally kiss when saying goodbye

it started off with a kiss on the cheek. when y/n would go back home, chris would kiss her cheek as a form of saying goodbye, soon enough y/n picked up on the habit and also started doing it. one day, they accidentally kissed. "bye, chris." y/n hugs him. "bye, y/n i'll see you tomorrow, okay?" he goes to kiss her cheek and y/n does the same not realizing he's doing the same. suddenly their lips touch and they freeze. "oh my god- i'm sorry!" y/n's face is red. "it's fine, really." he giggles and blushes.

"bye, y/n." chris grabs her chin and places a small kiss on her lips. "oh- bye chris." she connects their lips again and pulls away once they are both gasping for air. "sorry, my lips slipped, see you saturday?" chris opens the door for her. "of course." she nods before walking out to head to her car. once her car is out of sight he closes the door smiling. "that was a very friendly goodbye between you two." nick teases. "shut up."

bff!chris who always gets hard whenever she sits in his lap

"y/n, s- stop," chris grips her hips to make her stop moving in his lap. y/n and chris were currently on their way to top golf with thier friends and she had to sit on his lap due to the lack of seating in the car. "chris, the car is moving, i can't help-" y/n is interrupted when she feels something poking her ass. "chris are you-" he puts his hand over her mouth. "shut up."

"hey, give it back! it's my turn to pick a movie!" y/n tries to reach for the remote that chris took from her hands as they were laying down on his bed. "no, you're probably going to choose one of those rom coms. we've already watching one." he lifts up his arm where y/n can't reach. "come on, chris. i know deep down you love 'em." she teases, getting rid of the blanket covering her and crawls to where chris is. "do not." he scrolls through the movies. y/n goes on his lap and tries to snatch it from him. chris freezes and he starts to feel a tightness form. "thank you." y/n grabs the remote and goes back to her spot. "i'll be back." chris coughs and heads to his bathroom.

bff!chris and bff!y/n who are always touchy with eachother

"excuse me, chris." y/n passes in front of chris and teasingly rubs her hand over her sweatpant covered dick. chris turns flustered and looks around to make sure his brothers or thier friends didn't see. he goes over to y/n who's three feet away from him and whispers in her ear. "don't start something you can't finish."

"chris!" y/n scolds him quietly, pushing his arm that was currently wrapped around her shoulders specifically his hand that was comfortably resting on her boob. "oops!" he looked at her with a knowing smirk on his face.

bff!chris who makes a playlist specifically for her

"go to my spotify and see what i made for you." chris giggles handing his phone to y/n. "im scared." she teases. "just go." chris watches as she unlocks his phone, the wallpaper being the two of them and she scrolls to the next page of apps, clicking on the app. the app opens and its opened to his many playlists. however, she spots a new one. for y/n 💫

chris was currently moping in his bed. it was day one of fourteen that y/n will be on vacation with her family for her parents wedding anniversary. he sighed, unlocking his phone seeing his favorite picture of the two of them, he opens his spotify app and plays his for y/n💫 playlist and opening his messages app. i miss you :( come back already. he sent it, a song and a half later, his phone pinged. it hasn't even been a whole day.... but i miss you too. i promise i'll stay over a while weekend at your house like we mentioned <3

bff!chris who always shows up to her house unannounced

y/n was sitting in her living room, rewatching her reoccurring obsession, twilight. she was two movies in when she heard the doorbell ring. she wasn't expecting anyone today. maybe it was one of her parents or siblings who forgot their house key. scoffing, she pauses the movie and gets up to head to the door. she opens the door and is met with chris. "what are you doing here?" she says confusingly. "y/n! i also missed you very much, and i glad you're happy to see me!" chris says. "sorry," she giggles, moving aside to let him enter the house. "i just wasn't expecting you here."

"there's a surprise in your room." y/n's younger brother says as soon as she enters the house. "what are you talking about?" she goes up the stairs, shopping bags in hand. opening her door, she sees someone comfortably laying in her bed. "oh good, you're back." chris rolls over and sits up, his hair a mess. "how long have you been here?" she laughs.

"y/n! there's someone here for you." her mom yells from downstairs. "coming!" she exits her room and walks down the stairs spotting chris right away, a fast food bag in one hand and a cup holder in the other. "chris? i didn't know you were coming." she signals her head so they can go upstairs. "thanks for the shake and fries, chris!" her mom says as they head up. "no problem!" he says back. "i heard from you mom that you weren't feeling well about your exam score, so i brought shakes and fries. thought we could watch some movies."

bff!chris who always get shit from his brothers because he still hasn't asked you out

"so, when are you gonna ask y/n out? still scared she's gonna reject you even though she gives you heart eyes every time she looks at you?" nick tells his brother, he knows how stubborn both his friend and brother are at expressing their feelings vocally. "soon." is all he says. "soon, soon, soon. you always say that." he mocks him. "i bet she's counting down the days until you ask her out officially."

"did you tell her?" is the first thing chris hears from his brother matt as soon as he walks through the door. "tell who what?" he puts his keys on the table. "don't act stupid, kid. did you ask y/n out officially?" matt explains. "not yet, soon though." chris says before heading down to his room. "soon, soon, soon." he hears matt say.

bff!chris who officially confesses his love for you

"i have to tell you something, and i think it's about time." chris says next to y/n. they were currently sitting on a huge rock watching the sun go down and seeing its reflection in the water. "what is it?" she picks up her head from his shoulder. "i really like you, like really really like you. i think it's safe to say that i love you. so much. and we've practically been acting like a couple for so long now, i think i want to make it official if you're okay with it?" he looks into her eyes, searching for an answer the bright sunset making her eyes pop. "really?" he nods. "really." he says, and she smiles. "so, can i be your boyfriend?" chris tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear. "only if i can be your girlfriend." she presses their lips together in a sweet kiss.

[karatekels]

WARNING: SPOILERS WILL BE COMING! 🚨

So, as we all know, part 1 of season 6 is dropping tonight! It's looking like midnight my time, and because I am a large baby, that is past my bedtime.

I'm going to be binging the episodes early tomorrow morning, and posting my ranting rambling thoughts here - maybe I'll just use this post? - the way I did for the first five episodes of my rewatch.

I will hide them under a cut, and I don't plan on posting anything about the new season outside of this post for a week or so.

Basically, if you want to avoid spoilers: read with caution!

Episode 1: Peacetime in the Valley

…God I really love how they do music on this show.

Okay this peace better die real fucking quick because I’m annoyed.

CHOZEN IN A SHORT ROBE, NOW WE’RE TALKING.

Looking at this newspaper clipping, I wonder if we’re supposed to care about little details or if they just didn’t really care and it’s completely random. If it’s NOT random, I have thoughts:

Why is the photographer who took Terry’s mugshot only named by their initials. Anyone know a B.T.?

…okay, looking at the column on the left, this had better be a joke. CLOWN MURDER?!

And then the article itself is cobbled together. Unless this is just a fake newspaper as a plant, then this is pretty week bud.

Coincidentally, if you or any other showrunner would like to hire me to write fake newspaper articles for your show or movie so that people like me don’t tear you apart online, I am available!

Okay so Tory and Robby are clearly still together, and the only thing that isn’t complete peace is Kenny and Anthony only looking at each other from a distance?

DANIEL’S SMUG SMILE AS THE COBRA KAI LOGO GETS THROWN AWAY GO FUCK YOURSELF SIR.

Amanda YES, bring up Terry getting the charges dropped!

Kreese vs. US Marshals eh?

Stop talking about my man without showing him, Daniel.

Oh good, already tension between Daniel and Johnny’s views on things.

OH JOHNNY LOOKS GENUINELY DEVASTATED THAT THEY DEMOLISHED THE ABANDONED WAREHOUSE.

…wow we really are just forgiving Benedict Penis Breath for some reason, huh?

IT DID NOT TAKE AWHILE FOR YOU TWO TO TALK AGAIN, ROBBY. YOU LITERALLY JUST HAD A FIGHT AND THAT SEEMED TO FIX EVERYTHING??

…Johnny wants to use fire on the children? I can think of a couple that can be guinea pigs *cough*KYLER*cough*

Ohhhhhh… Daniel picking Chozen over Johnny isn’t gonna end well. What if instead we got rid of Daniel and Johnny and Chozen hung out.

– insert Sekai Taikai exposition here –

And the new name of the dojo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis… I MEAN, WE’VE ALL BEEN CALLING IT MIYAGI-FANG FOREVER.

Of course Daniel is angry (I mean it is a stupid picture of Mr. Miyagi but still)

…Chozen going against Johnny here really doesn’t check out. But I am here for a Chozen vs. Johnny fight.

The worst double-date in history! WHO CARES IF SHE DOESN’T WANT TO LEARN MIYAGI-DO??

Robby, don’t you dare speak ill of the precious Kenny/Silver mentorship dynamic you JERK.

Daniel (and Chozen) being so dismissive of Johnny’s feelings makes me sad

Oh DIP OMINOUS TEXT MESSAGE GOOD THING YOU BOUGHT THAT AXE.

Tory looks so sad and I hate it. Eat your waffle cone, Miguel.

Robby why in the hell would interrupting the game make Kenny want to listen to you? Also lmao look who’s taller now Kenny grew like 2 feet.

HI SHAWN. …Being ominous in an arcade is great.

Daniel preaching balance when he’s simultaneously…Daniel is infuriating.

…Chozen alcoholism subplot? ANDNO KUMIKO?! BUT I SHIP IT SO HARD!

Oh Johnny really brought the axe huh?

OH MY GOD STINGRAY I’M DYING.

Shawn your child brother is starting high school please do not take him to a strip club.

ROBBY WHY WOULD YOU APPROACH WHILE THEY HAVE BATS.

WE DON’T WANT TO FIGHT, he says while joining the fight!

…am I Stingray? “Because it’s awesome” – I WILL BELIEVE IN COBRA KAI FOREVER.

And he appreciates that Amanda is a smokeshow.

Don’t you dare disrespect ponytail dude, Shawn Payne.

Did the prison system actually help Shawn? SHOCKING.

Daniel being the bigger person? Only took HOW MANY DECADES?!

…so we’re calling it Miyagi-Do? Even though it’s not just Miyagi-Do? THIS IS DUMB.

We don’t get to see how Kreese got to Korea? REALLY?!

Episode 2: The Prize

NICK! YAY TERRY BACKSTORY! (Also Barrett yay but I mean… TERRY)

Kreese defending her is so cute OH MY GOD SHE’S IN THE AIR CHILL OUT GRAMPS.

Oh good, sewage in the cooking pots.

Not a real talk about money on this show! Oh, we’re cutting away?

…Why did we linger on that one student when Kim said “Silver is gone now”? Am I just looking for hope where there isn’t any?

I’m sorry, how old is this man going to be now? HE LOOKED 80 IN THE LATE 60S.

Does Amanda just dress like that everyday? Daniel is a lucky man.

I would watch an entire YouTube series in the vein of Trixie & Katya’s “I Like to Watch” that’s just Chozen watching reality shows.

“Your incompetence is why I must stay alive” is a brutal fucking line.

Kyler and his gaggle of 45 year old college freshmen. Or just Brucks.

…please think Chozen and Johnny are a gay couple, Mr. Realtor. Okay no, but Johnny blowing this up pretty spectacularly is pretty great.

Why do I feel like this is going to culminate in Kreese stabbing Immortal Kim because he’s “worthy of taking control”?

OR THE SNAKE COULD BITE HIM UMMMM.

As someone who has been in university in some capacity for like a decade, this… was not my experience. Though watching Kyler get shit on is kind of fun.

OH NO DUTCH REFERENCE. HE’S STILL IN PRISON THOUGH THAT’S GOOD.

Deus ex Johnny-fan ftw!

NOT HALLUCINATION NICK MARINI!

…Okay, so we are just gonna double down on the homoeroticism with men being each other’s weaknesses? I mean I’m here for it.

Frats have always seemed so stupid to me, with hazing and shit. Even for morons like Kyler. Never thought I’d see the day where I’m rooting for Kyler but I guess here we are. DESTROY THE DOUCHEBAGS. (Though how is anyone getting into college with this ASSAULT)

American tourist loses mind in cave, talks to snake. Film at 11.

Kyler acknowledging he’s a moron? I’m here for it. NO NOT ANOTHER FRAT COME ON.

LMAO Johnny insisting he has a job – AND IT WORKS HE JUST STARTS SELLING CARS.

Amanda is right though, what’s in the briefcase, Johnny?

Kim Da-Eun is gonna JUMP Kreese’s bones istg

Episode 3: Sleeper

Chozen freeloading is hilarious

“Chicks dig me” as a response to possibly having a daughter is crazy.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?!

…the cobra is still in your dealership, Daniel?

“I’m a girl dad” – Johnny Lawrence, 2024 (or whatever year this is supposed to be I can’t remember)

…okay this episode is called Sleeper and we’re seeing that same student we did in the last episode when they said “Silver is gone now” DID TERRY HAVE A BASTARD CHILD AND NOT KNOW ABOUT IT?!

You tell ‘em, Devon.

Lol “LEE, CALL YOUR DAD, YOU’RE HANDLING THIS PROBLEM AT YOUR HOUSE.��

Please don’t be a stupid retcon of Miyagi’s character please don’t be a stupid retcon of Miyagi’s character please don’t be a stupid retcon of Miyagi’s character please don’t be a stupid retcon of Miyagi’s character please don’t be a stupid retcon of Miyagi’s character

Got a lot of mystery boxes in this episode, huh?

…”we can have a girls’ night,” says the 50-something year old man to the 3 teenaged girls he isn’t related to. I do love his relationship with Devon though. It’s a shame she’s going to die in a freak karate accident so that Johnny can name his daughter after her.

THE HORRORS LOCKED AWAY IN A HIDDEN COMPARTMENT ARE THAT HE WAS A BOXER?!

…oh and he beat the shit out of people.

AND HE CHANGED HIS NAME?! OKAY SHIT’S GETTING INTERESTING.

Lmao the Ouija board fakeout

Yeah good Daniel, leave your dolled-up wife in the shady gym.

OH MY GOD JOHNNY PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING.

Kreese is really just trying to make a bunch of killing machines (or at least one, anyway), huh?

The Big 3 weren’t lying when they said they were going all out this season with the fights.

Also is Kreese just fine with the snake bite? He’s fine?

Oh noooo, Mr. Miyagi wasn’t a perfect human I’m SHOCKED.

Johnny is SO happy they’re fighting I love it – OH NO BOOOOOOOOOO PEACE. Go get matching tattoos or something you dorks.

Oh no Daniel, is your perfect worldview crumbling? Was surrogate daddy not as perfect as you thought?

YES, CHOZEN. WHAT DID HAPPEN IN CANCUN?

Nooo Chozen don’t leave even if it is for Kumiko I’LL MISS YOU.

Yes, let’s end the episode on “girls are easy”

Oh no wait, more Daniel mourning the loss of his innocence

Were the rumours right? We’re going to Spain? LET’S GOOOOOOO – wait how are they going to afford everyone going?

And we’re down to six – Miguel, Robby, Hawk, Sam, Tory… Kenny/Demetri/Devon?

Episode 4: Underdogs

Hawk thinks patriotism will earn him a spot? God I hate that mohawk.

“Each and every one of you has a shot, even though many of you are either our children, close enough to be our children, or are our clear favourites”

SHUT UP DEVON IF ANTHONY GETS PICKED I’M GOING TO KILL SOMEONE.

Johnny assuming he’s as good as a partner at the dealership is KILLING me

THANK YOU FOR TELLING HIM NO ABOUT ANTHONY, JOHNNY.

Why is Daniel so against them… actually earning their spots?

Hi Mike!

Lol flashback – but why not show Terry?

YES DEVON MY QUEEN.

AWWW, Penis Breath is so happy with his new name.

SERIOUSLY? ANTHONY?

If Anthony makes it I’m killing myself.

Devon speaking up for all neglected minor characters everywhere.

What in the actual fuck is going on. Go away Yasmine you suck. OKAY BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF DEMETRI’S HAPPINESS. …maybe her dumping him would’ve been better she is the WORST.

Binary Bros. will be the couple with the drama this season.

This capture the flag game seems fun but Mike can’t look at everyone at once…

I mean your son IS going to bleed and get the shit kicked out of him, Daniel. Wake up. No? Gonna keep feeding him your bs? Cool.

Barnes has quite the craftsmanship.

JOHNNY VS MIKE LET’S GOOOOOOOO… but away from the saw please.

HEY HE SAID THE THING.

…we’re really just gonna call each other bad boys with a straight face?

Okay Devon, enough with the negative self-talk. You’re sounding like me.

NOOOOOO Binary Bros. are fighting!

Kenny is kind of cocky af and I hope he doesn’t get it.

Smart move would’ve been to go up top and see if you can spot the flag…

OH WE TOOK KENNY OUT WITH A CHEAP TRICK…that’s not funny.

Oh SHIT Demetri is being an asshat. Why is NO ONE asking bout Hawk?

MAN now Devon has to feel bad because someone else chea– OH MY GOD IT WAS HER.

Episode 5: Best of the Best

Why does Tory’s mom healing feel so ominous why does Tory’s mom healing feel so ominous why does Tory’s mom healing feel so ominous why does Tory’s mom healing feel so ominous

Oh look Kreese has come for a visit.

And yet another blonde champion has turned against Kreese.

OH MY GOD, DEMETRI SHUT UP.

Robby you lovestruck little fool it’s adorable.

I really love Terry (duh) but Johnny is 100% my favourite Sensei.

HEY LEAVE THAT CANADIAN DUMMY ALONE, EH?

What about your worst impulses, Danny Boy?  S H U T    U P   and appreciate your hot wife for once, Jesus!

…Carmen is going to go into labour in this episode isn’t she.

AND there it is! Nope wait, false alarm. Everybody go hug Miguel.

NO NO NO DON’T BE DEAD NO NO NO

GOD FUCKING DAMNIT

HER FIST WAS CLENCHED – WAS IT KREESE?

Why does Sam and Miguel’s relationship seem so focused on beating Robby and Tory? While Robby and Tory seem actually into each other?

Daniel you suck, you hypocritical, self-righteous twat.

This is some mighty fine acting, Miss Peyton List. Best crier on the show since Xolo!

JOHNNY YOU HAVE A BABY ON THE WAY CAN YOU NOT YANK THE STEERING WHEEL.

…he’s right though. SHUT UP DANIEL.

Okay but Johnny this is really stupid you’ve sold cars for four minutes.

LMAO “YOU’RE FINALLY LEAVING HIM” GOD AMANDA LISTEN TO JOHNNY HE’S RIGHT.

Johnny gonna embrace boxing with the students? Daniel can’t really say anything about it not being about Mr. Miyagi then.

She kept… the bottlecap… I AM NOT OKAY.

You did not try, Daniel. Shut the fuck up. I’m mad at you. Go away. Get your head outta your ass.

You don’t get to know everything about anyone, Daniel. Especially when you’ve got your head so far in the sand you can’t even come to grips with who YOU are.

Amanda go find Tory. GO FIND TORY, AMANDA.

Okay there’s Tory. USE THAT MOTIVATION, ROBBY.

Can Robby get a decent haircut for once please? He’s a cute kid, his head deserves better.

Good for you, Robby. (Also why do I feel like he’s going to change his last name to Lawrence once the baby is born and then they’ll all just be one big happy sappy family)

I’m sure that Tory seeing both of Sam’s living and supportive parents there won’t screw her up at all.

Oh that’s gonna be Tory’s therapist or something for Amanda isn’t it UH OH.

YEAH YOU NEED TO STOP THE FIGHT.

OH SHIT. Not Danny striking first.

FUCKING GOOD ENOUGH WITH THIS KUMBAYA SHIT.

…Kenny’s gonna be mad about that – oh wait he’s not there and I’m sure it’s going well for him.

Not the bloodstained headband.

…Hawk really kept the dumb mohawk for the tournament huh?

Tory and Kenny gonna be fighting for Korea with Kreese?

(Why is Kreese there? This is televised? The police??)

LET’S FUCKING GO TORY.

[foundtherightwords]

Headlights on Dark Roads - Chapter 1

Pairing: Eddie x Chrissy (No Vecna/No Upside Down AU)

Summary: Eddie and Chrissy are in a relationship, having reconnected after they both moved back to Hawkins. However, Laura's disapproval still looms over them, and when Eddie has an opportunity to reunite and revive Corroded Coffin, Chrissy has to make a difficult choice between going with him to LA and staying in Hawkins to take care of her ailing mother.

A/N: So this is a soft continuation of my one-shot "Same Streets, New Memories". I tried to make it possible to read this as a standalone, but it would probably help with understanding some of the context if you read "SSNM" first. Also, be warned: this doesn't have a happy ending. I'm so sorry :((

Warnings: angst (oh so much angst), abuse (Laura Cunningham is her own warning), implied/mentions of ED, implied/mentions of homophobia, some smut (non-explicit)

Chapter word count: 4.7k

Chapter 1

"Eddie, wake up," Chrissy whispered, her lips brushing Eddie's ear as she leaned closer to him. In response, Eddie groaned and buried his head deeper into the pillow. Chrissy smiled. Eddie always reverted to being a kid when it came to waking up. "I brought breakfast," she said. "Or lunch." She still wasn't quite sure what to call it. It was usually Eddie's first meal of the day after he got off his shift at the Hideout, which made it breakfast, but it was also eaten around one or two in the afternoon, which made it lunch.

"I don't want breakfast. Or lunch," Eddie grumbled. He grabbed her waist and pulled her down on the bed, before rolling on top and planning a sleepy kiss on her lips. "I want this."

"Come on, let's get up and eat. I have practice this afternoon."

"Call in sick." The kiss was getting decidedly less sleepy now.

Chrissy laughed in mock outrage. "I can't, I'm the coach!"

"All right then, Coach Cunningham." Eddie lifted his head, his eyes twinkling. "What time's practice?"

"3:15."

He glanced at the alarm clock by the bedside table and grinned, the playful Munson grin that never failed to melt Chrissy's heart. "Plenty of time," he said, and kissed her again. This time, she kissed him back, luxuriating in the feel of his mouth against hers, of her hands in his hair.

When they finally sat down to the burrito wraps that had gone cold, Eddie said, "I have the day off. Do you want to grab dinner later and come back here to watch Fellowship?"

"Again?" Chrissy had enjoyed the movie when Eddie first showed it to her, though she didn't find the prospect of sitting on her butt for nearly three hours that appealing. From then on, whenever Eddie wanted to rewatch it, which was constantly, her stipulation was that they added at least one bathroom break.

"I'm going to watch it once a week until Two Towers comes out."

Chrissy shook her head affectionately. "I do believe you're going to break that tape."

"No, it's the extended version! Come on, I won't even be mad if you fall asleep—again."

It was hard to escape his enthusiasm.

"OK, but I can't stay. I have to drive my mom to physical therapy tomorrow," she said. Ever since Eddie moved into this apartment, she'd only stayed overnight a handful of times, always arriving after putting her mother to bed and coming back before she woke. After her stroke, Laura could still move about with the use of a walker and a wheelchair, but she would know if Chrissy wasn't there and would complain about being left on her own.

Eddie's face fell, but quickly brightened up again. "Guess who I ran into at Guitar Center the other day?"

When Eddie took that second job teaching guitar at the music store in Bloomington, he'd joked "Those that can't do, teach." He was so cheerful these days that he often made jokes like that, and Chrissy's heart swelled again when she remembered how he had been when they first ran into each other—so beaten-down and bitter, compared to how he was now.

"Who?" she asked, nibbling on a tortilla chip.

"Gareth, looking for a hi-hat! He said I've inspired him to get back into drumming. Can't imagine why, after all the horrible stories I told him about our gigs back West." Eddie was being flippant, but Chrissy could see from his sparkling eyes that he was happy for his friend.

"I bet his wife loves that," she said with a grin.

"She does, that's the thing! Their kid loves it too! So every weekend, Gareth would just take the kid into the garage and bang away on the drums while Nicole has time to herself. Win-win."

"That's great."

"I was telling him, if we can get Jeff and Grant to come home for Christmas, maybe we'll have a Corroded Coffin reunion show at the Hideout."

"Oh, could you?" Chrissy squealed. "That means I'll finally be able to see you guys live!"

"And that'll be incentive enough for me," Eddie said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand.

He finished his wrap and pushed the other one toward her. Chrissy's stomach flipped on reflex, the old queasiness whenever someone asked her to eat rearing its head again.

"Oh, I'm already full from the chips and salsa," she said automatically.

A crease of worry appeared between Eddie's eyes, but it only lasted for an instant. "I can't possibly eat all of that though," he said, pulling the burrito back. "Half?"

"...OK."

Chrissy took her half of the wrap. Eddie scarfed his half down, confirming her guess that he'd lied about not being able to eat the whole thing. But this was the one lie from him that she would always forgive. She and Eddie had never discussed her problem with eating, though she suspected he had already guessed from the way she pushed her food around the plate whenever they dined out together, from the way she was always bringing food to his place but never seemed to want to eat any of it herself. He never pressed her about it, but would always say he wanted to try this or that dish and ask her to share with him. She knew it was his subtle way of getting her to eat a little bit more, and was grateful for it. For him.

Once done, Eddie cleaned up the wrappers from the kitchen table, went to the couch, and picked up his guitar.

"Is that a new song?" Chrissy asked between bites, as he strummed through the first few chords.

"Not really. I started it a while ago. The day we ran into each other in the woods, remember?"

How could she forget?

"I can't figure it part out." He played some more, humming along, and shook his head irritably.

"I think it sounds great."

"You think all of my songs sound great," Eddie said, but he looked pleased.

Chrissy finished her burrito and got up to wash her hands. "By the way, what are you and Wayne doing for Thanksgiving?" Eddie's comment about Christmas had reminded her.

"I'm not sure," he replied, jotting down some notes. "Usually one of his buddies from the plant would invite us to their house, or we'll just have a symbolic turkey sandwich."

"Turkey sandwich?!" Chrissy exclaimed. "That's a crime!"

Eddie laughed. "It doesn't make sense to have a big feast with just the two of us," he said, and proceeded to tell her about the year when, determined to give Eddie a proper Thanksgiving, Wayne had bought a turkey, attempted to deep-fry it, and almost burned their trailer down.

After Chrissy had wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes and gotten her breath back, she said, "Would you two like to come to dinner with me and my mom then?"

She tried to say it lightly, but apparently, she'd failed, because Eddie stopped strumming the guitar and looked up at her. "Are we at the meet-the-parent stage already?" His eyes were laughing, but there was a breathless quality to his voice that matched how she was feeling.

They had been together for nearly eight months, eight wonderful, glorious months, since that day they ran into each other in the woods behind Hawkins High, of all places. If Chrissy had been superstitious, she would've said it felt like fate.

She hadn't even meant to ask Eddie out. She'd invited him to a basketball game only to catch up but hadn't expected him to actually show. But he had, and when she saw him lingering at the gym's entrance, looking out of place amongst the suburban parents with his long hair and leather jacket, a bubble of warmth had burst in her chest. After the game, they'd gone to the Hideout, where they'd just talked and talked and talked, about everything and nothing, and when she dropped him off at his trailer later that night, she'd leaned over to finish the kiss she'd started way back in '86, and that had cinched it.

Even now, eight months later, that warm bubble still expanded through her whenever she looked at him. Sometimes, she would be kicking herself for running from him all those years ago. But then again, Chrissy was a firm believer in timing. If they had gotten together back then, back when they were too young and fragile to handle this, it would've ended in disaster, or worse, they would have drifted apart and become strangers, just another face in the crowd.

Still, it would have been nice if they could have met a little sooner.

"I've met Wayne," she reminded Eddie.

"Yeah, but—that's different. He's known about us from the beginning." The easy way he said us set her heart fluttering. "Your mom, on the other hand—"

He was right to worry. Chrissy knew her mom suspected she was seeing someone, and she was thankful that since the stroke, Laura hadn't gone out much and therefore was no longer familiar with the rumor mill of Hawkins, or else she would have found out the truth and thrown a fit. The only boyfriend of Chrissy's that Laura had ever approved of was Jason, and she still nagged Chrissy about breaking up with him, although it had been nearly seventeen years and Jason was now happily married.

"Look, if your mom doesn't want me and Wayne there, you don't have to invite us."

"She just has to accept that I'm a grown-up now and can be with whoever I want," Chrissy said, sounding more confident than she felt. "She's lucky I'm bringing you home at all."

"Wow, I'm honored." Eddie was still teasing, but his eyes were soft.

"I'm serious. I've never—"

She trailed off. What she'd wanted to say was, I've never been so sure of anything in my life. Or anyone. But she was afraid of coming on too strongly.

She hadn't been sure of any of her exes. Jason... they'd gone out because she'd felt it was expected of her, the head cheerleader and the captain of the basketball team. God, could I be any more superficial? Her exes in college and after were the same, people she dated because she thought she was supposed to be dating, or because she wanted to defy her mother. She hadn't even been sure of her ex-husband. She'd married him only to get away from Hawkins, away from her mother.

But Eddie, Eddie was different. Even back in high school, when she had been on the verge of shattering under a thousand different pressures—pressure from her mom, from Jason, from school, from college, from her friends, pressure to be perfect, to maintain the façade of the Queen of Hawkins High—within five minutes, Eddie had managed to put her back together without even knowing what was bothering her. He'd only seen that she was bothered and had done everything he could to cheer her up.

Yes, even back then, Chrissy had known she would be safe with Eddie, and she knew it even more strongly now. She could see his affection in everything he did, from little things like sharing his food or calling her in the morning even though he just got off work and should be in bed (though, to be fair, she'd had to pester him to get a cell phone), to big things like moving into this apartment.

When he first got the apartment, Eddie had insisted that he didn't want to mooch off Wayne any longer ("Plus, have you seen his cooking? I got a heart murmur just looking at it!"), and that they needed a place for themselves. It was true that, after a month or so into their relationship—Chrissy had never considered that they were simply "dating"; from the first moment, it had felt like a serious relationship—things had gotten rather awkward after several heavy make-out sessions in her car, when both had bumped their heads on the ceiling and against the window.

"We can't go back to my trailer, Wayne's home," Eddie had said, burying his face in her bare shoulder.

"And my mom's home too."

They had giggled together then, feeling ridiculous that they were forced to sneak around like two teenagers. Despite the illicit thrill of it all, it had become apparent that they needed some privacy. So Eddie had found a cheap studio apartment in town. Chrissy had helped him move in and bought all the little things to make it homey, like the throw blanket on the couch to the little potted plants on the window sills that Eddie had promised to keep alive but was likely to forget, so she made sure to water them whenever she stopped by. And one day, when she'd come to him sobbing from a particularly bad fight with her mother, he'd given her the spare key. Just like with everything, Eddie saw what she needed without having to ask.

Now he was looking at her with those knowing, loving eyes, and Chrissy realized she didn't have to say anything at all.

"We can always have Thanksgiving here, or at the trailer," he said. "Just the three of us."

"I can't leave my mom alone on Thanksgiving!" Chrissy protested. "Look, if you don't want to come—"

Eddie watched her fidget with her fingers, and an impish smile peeped out at the corner of his lips. "OK, we'll be there," he said, "if your mom promises not to call a priest to have the house blessed."

"Only if Wayne promises not to organize an exorcism for her," she shot back with a smile of her own. He laughed and pulled her into his lap.

"I meant it about having Thanksgiving with me and Wayne though," he said, more gently. "If you feel like getting out of the house."

"I know." Chrissy leaned in to meet his lips, her worries vanishing in the warmth of his kiss.

***

Only with Eddie's assurance like a talisman in her heart that Chrissy felt she had the strength to breach the subject of Thanksgiving to her mother.

"I'm inviting some people over for Thanksgiving, is that OK?" she asked the next day, while they were on their way to the physical therapy center.

"Who?" Laura asked suspiciously. "Not Ryan and that—that—"

"Nate, mom, his name's Nate," Chrissy said.

"I don't want to hear his name!" Laura screeched.

Ten years ago, her younger brother, Ryan, had come out to their parents before he'd left for college. They'd cut him off immediately. Ryan had confided in Chrissy before that, but as she was in Chicago at the time, struggling to find a job after dropping out of nursing school, she couldn't do much to help. She'd only learned of the falling-out much later, when Ryan called to let her know he'd moved to Toronto with his boyfriend, Nate. Ryan hadn't even come home for their father's funeral. She still kept in touch with him with the occasional emails and phone calls, but to Laura, he might as well be dead.

"No, it's not Ryan," Chrissy continued, ignoring Laura's hysterics. "This is—someone from high school."

"Not Jason?!" Laura immediately forgot her erstwhile prodigal son and looked so excited that Chrissy felt the usual hot burst of annoyance in her belly. Always Jason.

"No. His name's Eddie." Chrissy prayed that her mom didn't notice she had deliberately left out the last name. She quickly added, "I don't think you know him. We didn't exactly move in the same circles back in high school. He's been living in California, but he just moved home to—to take care of his uncle. It's just the two of them." This was what she and Eddie had agreed to tell her mother, and Eddie would make sure Wayne followed the same script. It sounded better than saying he moved home because his band failed.

Laura narrowed her eyes at Chrissy. "If you weren't friends in school, why would you invite him?"

"Oh, I ran into him in town and just felt sorry for them, I guess," Chrissy said in what she hoped was an offhanded way. "If you'd rather not have guests—"

"Invite who you want, I don't care." Laura turned to the window with a look that said she did care, a lot, and was hoping Chrissy would feel bad and back down. But Chrissy knew her mother too well to fall for her passive-aggressiveness. She took Laura's statement at face value. 

***

As she put the finishing touch to the Thanksgiving dinner, Chrissy wondered if this was a mistake.

She wasn't worried about Eddie and Wayne. They would be able to take whatever Laura threw at them, she was sure. The only thing was... sometimes she felt like keeping Eddie as her own little secret, her safe place, her sanctuary away from her mother's constant demands and criticism. Introducing him to Laura would threaten that. But she couldn't keep sneaking around forever. She couldn't do what Ryan did and simply turn her back on their mother the moment she showed her disapproval. Chrissy wanted her mother to accept Eddie, or at least accept the fact that she was seeing him.

It started well enough. Eddie and Wayne came right on time, bringing a pumpkin pie, a bottle of wine, and some cider. Chrissy almost laughed when she saw the effort Eddie had made with his appearance—he was clean-shaven, he had left off his rings and wore a long-sleeve shirt to cover up his tattoos, and he had even tied his hair back, making him look like one of those hipsters, whose pretentious looks had started to spread even to Hawkins. Laura pressed her lips together and eyed him up and down but said nothing. Wayne's eyes twinkled as he looked over the house—so big and yet so cold and impersonal, compared to the cozy little trailer he and Eddie had shared—but he was perfectly polite and amiable. It was true that he slipped up and introduced himself with his last name when he shook Laura's hand, but thankfully, she didn't seem to register the last name "Munson". He even had the genius idea of inquiring Laura after her health, which was her absolute favorite subject, and kept her engaged until it was time to eat.

Things started getting a little tense when they sat down at the table and Chrissy carved the turkey. "Stick to the white meat, Chrissy, it's better for you," Laura said, watching Chrissy load up her own plate. "And that's too much stuffing."

Her cheeks burning, Chrissy spooned some of the stuffing back. She saw something flash across Eddie's face—annoyance, anger, or perhaps sympathy—but it was gone in an instant, and he squeezed her hand under the table as she sat down. She squeezed back with a grateful smile.

"Well, this all looks amazing," Wayne said, rubbing his hands together. "My compliments to the cook." Chrissy gave him a grateful smile as well.

Wayne more or less singlehandedly kept conversation around the table going, asking Laura about her physical therapy, talking about his own back problem, drawing Chrissy and Eddie into the discussion whenever the uncomfortable silence threatened to descend again. Laura, however, seemed preoccupied. She kept looking from Wayne to Eddie as if trying to place them. It had been over twenty years since Eddie's dad, Al, left Hawkins, but the name Munson still had a certain ominous ring to it. Chrissy could only pray that Laura wouldn't remember.

Then, when Chrissy brought out the pie, Laura stopped pretending to be polite and began the interrogation.

"What did you do in Los Angles?" Laura asked.

"I'm a musician," replied Eddie. They had agreed not to mention his job at the Hideout, only saying he was teaching music in Bloomington. Laura gave one of her eloquent sniffs to show mild disapproval, but made no further remark.

"Where do you live?"

Chrissy remembered, with a start, that they'd forgotten to discuss this beforehand.

"On Mulberry," she chimed in before either Wayne could answer, using Eddie's current address. "In one of those new buildings they just put up by Melvald's, you know?"

But Laura wasn't listening. Her eyes widened, then narrowed again, and Chrissy recognized, with dismay, all the signs of her mother's temper rising.

"Munson! You're related to that criminal Al Munson, aren't you?" Laura said, all but pointing an accusing finger at Wayne and Eddie.

Chrissy felt her knees go weak. Under the table, Eddie's fingers crushed her hand. Only Wayne remained calm.

"Yep, my no-good brother," he said with a shrug. "Have to say, leaving Hawkins was the best thing he ever did. Otherwise, Eddie might not have turned out so well. Is that right, Ed?" He laughed and gave Eddie a hearty slap on the shoulder.

Chrissy glanced at her mother. Her face was thunderous, but Chrissy knew Laura's vanity would prevent her from kicking invited guests out of the house, even if those guests were related to criminals.

"Excuse me, I have a headache," Laura said, making a show of closing her eyes and rubbing her temples. "Chrissy, could you help me get to bed, please?" Ever since her stroke, Laura had moved from the big master bedroom to the guestroom on the ground floor so she didn't have to climb the stairs, but she still insisted on Chrissy's assistance.

Chrissy allowed herself to breathe out. She knew that once Wayne and Eddie left, Laura's wrath would come down on her full-force, but at least her mother didn't make a scene. "Sure, mom."

Upon returning to the dining room, Chrissy found Wayne and Eddie had already started to clear up the table for her. She tried to take the plates out of Eddie's hands, but he persisted.

"Let me help," he said. Then, dropping his voice, he asked, "Do you want me to stay?" Even safely hidden her room, Laura's anger still radiated all through the house like a thundercloud.

"No, I'll be fine. Take Wayne home. I'm sorry. I knew this was a bad idea—"

Eddie shook his head. "It's not your fault."

"I'll call you later, OK?"

She gave him a quick kiss and went to thank Wayne for coming. "No, thank you for inviting us," he said, shaking her hand warmly. "You'll be alright." It wasn't a question, and as Chrissy took the old man's callused palm in hers, she wished she could believe the same.

Chrissy could have sworn her mother was listening behind the door, because the moment Wayne and Eddie left, Laura appeared in the foyer, looking just like she had the day Chrissy broke her ankle during cheer practice, or the day Chrissy came home after dropping out of nursing school, or the day Chrissy told her she'd filed for divorce. It didn't matter that Chrissy was in pain, scared, and lost, it was her fault. Her fault for not sticking to her diet and gaining weight. Her fault for not working hard enough and staying in school. Her fault for not working hard enough at her marriage. Always her fault.

"How could you—" Laura began.

Chrissy held up a hand. "Mom, I don't want to talk right now, OK? Go back to bed." She walked toward the kitchen.

"Don't mollycoddle me!" Laura screamed. "I am your mother!"

Though she knew she would regret it, Chrissy turned around to face her. "You told me I could invite whoever I want—"

"Yes, within reason! Not those thieves and drug dealers—"

"They're not thieves—"

"Are you sure? Count the silver again."

"Shut up!"

Laura's slap cracked like a whip in the foyer. Chrissy reeled back, clutching at her cheek, more from shock rather than pain.

"Just because you're a grown woman, doesn't mean you're allowed to speak to me like that, you little—" Laura snarled, but Chrissy didn't stop to hear the rest. Grabbing her phone and her keys from the side table, she ran out, slamming the door behind her.

***

Later, when she was curled up safely on Eddie's couch, in Eddie's arms, Chrissy's tears finally dried.

"You can't go on living with her," Eddie said.

"She needs my help."

"She hurts you!"

"It was my mistake, I shouldn't have—"

"Don't say that." Eddie sat up to look at her. "I told you, none of this is your fault."

Chrissy put her head on his shoulder, resolutely putting all thoughts of her mother out of her mind. "Can we not talk about this anymore? I just want to stay the rest of the night with you like this, not saying anything, not doing anything."

Eddie wrapped his arms around her again, and she felt his lips on her hair. "Move in with me," he said.

Now it was Chrissy's turn to sit up. "Do you really mean that?"

"Yes," he replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've been meaning to ask. You'll still be close enough to take care of your mom, if you want, without having to put up with her—bullshit."

The familiar warm feeling bubbled up in her chest again. She caught his hand, which was still stroking her hair, pressed the open palm to her mouth and kissed it. Then she leaned forward to kiss his mouth as well. "I'd love to," she said, smiling against his lips. Eddie smiled back and was pulling her closer to return the kiss, when his phone rang shrilly.

"Shit," he mumbled. "I know I shouldn't have bought the fucking thing."

But a phone call this late on Thanksgiving could mean something important, so Chrissy reluctantly let him go and pressed the phone into his hand. He glanced at the number and flipped the phone open.

"Hey Jeff, what's up man? No, no, it's OK... yeah, happy Thanksgiving. How are things in LA?" On the other end of the line, Jeff said something. Eddie's eyes widened, and he slowly sat up, leaning forward. "You serious? ...When? Before Christmas? Shit... No, I can make it. Of course I'll make it! What about Grant? Great. Yeah, yeah, I'll let you know ASAP." Another pause, then Eddie said, more quietly, "Jeff, this is awesome. Thank you. Talk to you soon, OK?"

He hung up but remained seated in the same position, looking straight ahead, his eyes dazed.

"Eddie?" Chrissy said, putting a hand on his arm.

At her touch, Eddie seemed to come back to his senses. He turned to her. "Jeff just ran into an A&R rep from Metal Blade," he said. "They want to meet with us in LA. As soon as possible."

The name of the record label meant little to Chrissy, but she knew how big this was for Eddie, for Corroded Coffin. After getting dropped by their label a year ago, this was all they had been hoping for. She tightened her hold on his arm, and he put his own hand on top of hers, grasping it as if to anchor himself.

"I'm a little scared, to be honest," he said with an embarrassed smile. "What if it doesn't amount to anything?"

"It's not going to amount to anything if you don't go," Chrissy said. "You'll be great. I know it."

"Grant's on board. We're only a drummer short—"

"Why don't you ask Gareth?"

Eddie stared at her. "I don't know about that—he's got a job—family—"

"Just ask him. The worst he can do is say no."

Eddie's eyes got brighter and brighter with excitement as he contemplated the idea. "Yeah, why not? Shit!" He laughed and pulled Chrissy in for a tight embrace. "You may be getting that reunion show earlier than expected, sweetheart. Corroded Coffin's getting back together, with the original lineup!"

Chapter 2

[eolewyn1010]

Ok, I'm trying to resume this as I remember it being a way to hold myself a little accountable. Let's go over this day for a bit.

Things that went good:

I brushed my teeth twice, not just in the morning. Time to make that a habit instead of an occasional thing.

I did not give in to the munchies again. It's the antidepressant's fault that I'm hungrier than I used to be, but I don't need to go hog every time.

I did not stay in bed. I kept sitting in one spot for most of the day, but it was not the bed. Hurray for sleeping hygienics.

Getting used to drinking a lot of tea and water again, and whaddayaknow, I'm less snippy when I'm not dehydrated.

Things that went not so good:

I didn't get up when my phone alarm rang. I'm trying to get up earlier again, in tandem with going to bed earlier, but I have yet to condition myself to also feel obliged to get up and not sleep in.

I stayed in my nightshirt all day. When I'm not going anywhere and also have the excuse of warm weather, I don't really get dressed at home. I should, tho. Get used to the adulting, and habits are built day by day.

My mom and sis pissed me off just before dinner. Sulking! Is Not! The Way To Go! Next time, talk about it immediately; maybe salvage the situation and eat with them.

I still have two separate pending messages on Discord that I should have replied to. Very kind ones, too. I don't want to be rude to my writing friends; I just didn't know what to say. I need to rectify that once my brain doesn't get so panicked at the thought of social interactions.

Things I could do tomorrow:

Get dressed. I really need to get used to a sort of working day routine.

The dishes. Aside from vacuuming, it's the one chore I consistently shirk, but with the warm weather, that shit gets smelly after a day or two. It'll only take 5-10 minutes, I know that.

Calisthenics. I've been through my routine twice last week; there's no reason why I couldn't at least go for it once this week.

Reply to the two messages on Discord. If I can't think of a novel, I don't need to write a novel. Just reply.

Things that I could do these days:

I asked my mom to repair the toilet hinge on Saturday morning before she goes out. It's one of the things on our collective list that has been lying around for months, and it's been bothering me that we never get anything done from that list, so it's nice to have a tiny lil appointment for that. Baby steps.

My antidepressant is running out, so I need to go to my doctor next week for a new prescription. The lady who picks up the phone was very nice the last time, so I won't be terribly afraid.

I wanna get my friend in on a movie night, watch and judge the rest of Charité with them.

When I've rewatched it, I'll probably be in the mood to rant a bit; that would be a nice chance to get the last two drafts about the new season finished and blogged.

Have a look at one [1] of the waiting prompts in my inbox. No, not both of them at the same time, brain, just one.

[starkstruck27]

Little Harringrove ficlet set in like 2019, just before they get together

"You know, if we were superheroes, you'd be the Winter Soldier to my Captain America."

Steve had said it so casually, Billy almost hadn't paid it any mind. He was way too absorbed in cleaning up after their movie marathon, and so exhausted that he almost dreaded doing it again tomorrow night. He'd somehow thought that four to five movies a night would be no big deal, especially since Steve was letting him stay over at his house all week, but there was a lot to follow in these films, and entirely too many characters to keep track of. Still, Steve said they had to rewatch all of them before going to see the new one, Endgame or whatever, and Billy had finally let his best friend talk him into a movie marathon. He had a hard time saying no to him.

They'd started off with only four, watching Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk (which wasn't even part of the official lineup, but Steve insisted it was essential to establish the character), Iron Man 2, and Thor. The next night, they also did four, going from Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and Thor: The Dark World.

Then tonight, they watched Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Ant-Man. They would've watched Captain America: Civil War, too, but they were both tired and had to get up early the next day, so they said they could do it tomorrow.

And now, just after he'd said it, as Billy folded the blankets and Steve swept the popcorn off the couch cushions, Billy stopped and stared at him.

"So, I remind you of a homicidal maniac with a metal arm that killed and injured numerous people without a second thought?" He asked bitterly, remembering the long-haired assassin that beat Captain America to a bloody pulp and then left him for dead on the bank of a river. "Gee, thanks."

"Well, yeah, that's part of him, too, but that's not what I meant," Steve said, tossing a popcorn kernel at Billy.

"Well, what did you mean, then?" Billy asked.

"I'm not giving you any spoilers! You'll just have to keep watching and figure it out." Steve gave him his most innocent evil smirk, and Billy only sighed. He loved his best friend, but he could be a fucking menace when he wanted to be.

The next night, they watched five movies. Starting with Civil War, then going on to Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Thor: Ragnarok. Billy liked them all, but he still didn't get what Steve meant when he said he was like Bucky. And Steve still wouldn't tell him outright what he meant, because he didn't want to risk spoiling the movies, even though Billy assured him 100 times he didn't care.

The night after that, they watched the last four movies, since the next day they had tickets to go and see Endgame. Starting with Black Panther, then going on to Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and finally, Captain Marvel.

Billy hated to admit it, but he was getting just as into these movies as Steve was, and he was almost as excited for the new movie tomorrow, too. Still, he couldn't figure out what Steve had meant the other day. But he didn't want to ask again, he couldn't let Steve know it was bothering him.

But as they cleaned up the snacks and the trash, the pillows and the blankets and put the living room back together, he didn't have to.

"So, have you figured it out yet?" Steve asked as he fluffed the ugly, uncomfortable and probably really expensive throw pillows.

"Not really. I mean, I guess I get it a little. We're best friends, your name is Steve and mine starts with a B, ends in a y, and has two syllables, and even though we fight sometimes, we still stay friends or whatever. I still don't understand why I have to be the tortured cyborg and you get to be the popular Golden Boy, but it's whatever," Billy replied, shrugging as he picked up the dishes to take them to the kitchen. He could feel his heart stutter when Steve laughed.

"Actually, most of the people who like Marvel actually like Bucky more than Steve, but that's besides the point. You got part of it, but there's more to what I said than that."

He stopped fussing with the pillows then, and instead walked over to Billy, taking the plates and cups from his hands and putting them back on the coffee table. He was so close that their toes touched, and Billy could smell the pizza, popcorn and sugar on his breath. Billy almost sqeaked in surprise at the sudden proximity, and he could feel his heart start to speed in his chest.

"Soooo... you wanna clue me in then?" He asked, not quite sure where to look or what to do with his hands. Steve was taller than him, and he wasn't sure what to do with someone when he couldn't look down at them. It made him feel a little out of place, and he didn't know how to get back to the way he always felt with Steve. Like he could mess with him, be near him, talk to him and do anything with him and be perfectly happy with it. He wanted to always feel like that, but right now it felt different, like there was something hanging in the air between them that neither of them wanted to address just yet.

"Well, another thing that fans do, besides just liking Bucky more, is they like to analyze their relationship. I do that, too, sometimes, and I realized their dynamic is a lot like ours. We were friends, then some shit happened and we weren't, you beat me up a little, finally told me about all the shit you'd been through, and finally we were able to heal and get you some help. Maybe you're not 100% perfect yet, but we know we have each other and we know that we're gonna be with each other til the end of the line. Or, at least, I hope we will," Steve said, and despite how nervous Billy felt, he was a little flattered, too. Steve was one of the only good things left in his life, and to hear him say that he wanted Billy by his side through the rest of his life felt pretty amazing. Billy could already imagine it, the two of them living through thick and thin and still going to see their silly little superhero movies together 50 years later, when Marvel would release Captain America 24.

"But that's not all," Steve continued, bringing Billy out of his thoughts. "A lot of fans, myself included, look at the two of them and think they'd make a cute couple, some of us even believing that they already are one, but Marvel is just giving Steve female love interests because they're owned by Disney and are too cowardly to have any of the characters identify as LGBTQ+. But like I said, a lot of fans already ship the two of them together."

Billy felt his mouth going dry, his eyes searching Steve's face for any kind of confirmation that he meant what he was saying, that he wasn't reading this wrong. He figured it was pretty blatant what he was saying, there wasn't a whole lot of room to mistake this, but he wanted to be absolutely sure before he made a fool of himself.

"So what are you... what are you trying to tell me?" Billy asked, holding his breath.

"I'm trying to tell you that if I were Steve Rogers, and if you were Bucky Barnes, and the two of us had fought together in World War 2, been inseparable on both schoolyard and battlefield, promised each other that we'd be together until the end of the line, and I'd fought an entire Civil War against 117 countries to protect you because I never gave up on you... somewhere in there, I might’ve developed a feeling a bit stronger than just friendship for you."

"And if we weren't superheroes... If we were just ordinary people watching the movies, if you were just Steve Harrington and I was just Billy Hargrove... what then?"

Steve flashed him a smile, and Billy practically melted right there as Steve took one baby step closer, his fingers gentle brushing over Billy's arms before gripping his hands tightly.

"Well, if that were the case, then I'd say I've definitely developed those feelings a long time ago, but I was just too scared to say anything about it until now. And I'd say that I definitely really want to kiss you right now."

And who was Billy to refuse a sweet request like that? He finally had an opportunity to kiss Steve like he'd always wanted to, and he wasn't going to pass that up. He didn't waste any time in crashing their lips together, holding Steve close to him with one hand in his stupid perfect hair and the other wrapped around his back, nearly crushing him into himself. Steve hummed with laughter as he placed one of his hands on Billy's shoulders, the other resting on his hip where Billy's hand came to rest, covering it. They both felt alive with an electric charge going between their bodies, and even though they'd both closed their eyes and couldn't see, they knew they were both smiling like idiots. Billy could feel his heart jack-rabbiting in his chest, as if trying to tire itself out, but it was useless. Steve had never felt more butterflies in his stomach than he did right now, no one else had made it fill up with that many cocoons that had hatched all at once.

When they pulled apart, they couldn't help but giggle a little bit. Their respective little siblings would be both proud and incredibly too smug if they knew what had just happened. Max would be glad that they'd finally quit it with the pining, and Dustin would absolutely never shut up about how they were nerds just as much as he was. But right now they didn't have to think about their siblings, all they could think about was each other.

"Y'know, I think that in all those movies, Black Widow was only wrong about one thing," Billy said, smiling stupidly as he continued to hold Steve close. "Not everyone needs practice when it comes to kissing."

Steve laughed at that, loud and carefree, and Billy wished he would never have to go without that laugh. If Steve had really meant what he said though, he wouldn't have to. After all, they were gonna be stuck with each other from now on.

They'd be with each other til the end of the line.

[lannisterdaddyissues]

Mar im gonna need 3, 16, 20, 23 and 27 with bill cage <3

@calkale @sliderkerner WAAAAAAAAA THANK YOU MY BELOVED FRIENDS FOR INDULGING MY INSANITY I LOVE YOU GUYS <3333

1. My first impression of them hmm its funny bc i think i first watched edge of tomorrow in august and i was normal about it actually? i was like hm that was a good film but not the best of his movies for sure. i dont think i really understood most of it though so a rewatch was necessary, but that didn't happen until february and idk what clicked that didn't the first time but oh i am SOOOOOOOOOO insane about it now the lights are all flipped on

2. When I think I truly started to like them (or dislike them, if you've sent me a character I don't like) i knew as soon as he tripped over the chair that i was going to love his stupid pathetic ass <3

3. A song that reminds me of them ill NEVER STOP SAYING THIS but 'the proof of your love' by for king & country it is SO bill-coded, so billrita-coded, it's literally their theme song idk what else you want me to say

however since i've said that one before i'm reccing 'undercover angel' by alan o'day because it would be one of those classics he used to love growing up and when he hears it again on the radio some time after they've gotten together he's like "rita oh my GOD do you know how to dance 🥺🥺🥺" and she's like "nooooooo not the fucking angel song, cage, come on-" but he teaches her how to waltz to it and . let me be delusional okay

16. A childhood headcanon wawawa.... baby bill.... hm i have several small ones but i firmly subscribe to the headcanon that he was actually born in georgia because his mom is from there (it would explain EVERYTHING about him, especially because i also hc that his personality was just copy-pasted directly from his mom) but he moved to cranbury when he was like one or two so he considers himself "from cranbury, born and raised" anyway

20. A weird headcanon ok uhhhh idk if this is weird but it IS oddly specific so! he can make one (1) pie recipe! it's blueberry pie (cranbury is famous for it, according to google) and rita LOVES it. she's definitely not a sugar person and rarely indulges in anything at all but she's such a sucker for that fucking pie and bill is always over the moon whenever she gives him That Look that means she wants another slice but is too proud to ask

23. Future headcanon he takes rita to visit cranbury a couple years after they both fall into place beside each other and it's a very emotionally healing experience for both of them. he tells her lots of silly meaningless little anecdotes from when he was growing up while giving her the grand tour and rita isn't a very sentimental person either but she can't help how easy it is to picture him living in that cute little town when he gets so chatty about it :,)

(also rita eventually takes him to her hometown in wolverhampton and reluctantly introduces him to her very alive, very normal parents because i said so)

27. If they could meet a character from another show/movie/etc, who would be the most fun for them to meet? in my mind he and fix it felix jr get brunch every sunday to catch up about the horrors they have been through and gush about their sexy muscular action girlfriends. nobody can take this idea away from me

[bizarrelovesquare]

tag game! (tagged by @ruztyryan!)

Last song: "Burn" by The Cure (great song by a great band for a great movie, and it fits a ship that I'm currently fixating on, what more could I ask for??)

Favorite color: Green, orange, pink (all preferably neon!) 💚🧡🩷

Currently watching: For the past couple of weeks, I've been watching Avatar: The Last Airbender over and over, both the animated and live-action versions. I'm also revisiting Legend of Korra, which I never thought I'd do again??!

Spicy/savory/sweet: instant reaction is always sweet, but in reality, sweet is only good to me for a few minutes, then I have to taste something else to get rid of the aftertaste XD so I'll go with spicy! I'm notorious for adding an unnecessary amount of spices and hot sauces to everything

Relationship status: single, and I'm cool with it. Relationships sound good in theory, and I've had gfs in the past that were good relationships for who we were at that point in time, but I'm okay if I don't experience that again, or if I do but it's a long time from now. I'm at a point where I really enjoy my independence, and on top of that, I'm so low-maintenace, I don't know if anyone would want a relationship as casual as what I'd be looking for. So I'm just doing my thing, and if someone ends up being a good fit for me, nice, if not, then that's nice too!

Current obsession: Avatar <333 this series was so dear to me ten to twelve years ago, and I honestly hadn't watched it since Legend of Korra ended. I never thought I would become obsessed with it again. I always assumed that if I ever decided to rewatch it, it would be more like "aw that was nice to see again! now I'm going to go about the rest of my day normally" but when the live-action dropped, my family watched it, and they told me that they really enjoyed it, so I watched it with them a few days later, and holy crap, it was so much fun. It sent me straight back into obsession without warning. I'm making my way back through both of the animated series and rewatching comfort episodes over and over, I've reread all the comics (except Imbalance which I don't have, but I'm going to the bookstore after the small con tomorrow. also then there's the big con this summer where I'm planning to meet Dante Basco and Ian Ousley, and that's gonna be FUN!!!!) My heart is so full and so happy, and I feel really peaceful from being back in touch with something that meant so much to younger me. Also of note, Avatar/LOK is how I bonded with one of my best friends in school, and we're meeting up in a month or two for the first time in a decade, and it's cute how that aligned. We've actually been messaging each other our thoughts about the new series! There have been so many little things in my life lately that have been connecting me with my younger selves and reminding me that I'm still me after all these years.

Leaving this as an open tag as well! I never know who wants to be tagged or not XD

[dorakonia]

GET TO KNOW THE MUN!

What's your phone's wallpaper: A fanart piece of Pantalone from Genshin Impact skdjfhsdf it's been there for the past half a year, and it's funny because I used to change my background fairly often before but nowadays I'm just too lazy to change it. So I guess he'll be there until I find something new that I really really like.

Last song you listened to: Idk man, I'm listening to music daily so songs come and go every 4-5 minute skdjhfsf But I guess I could put down the song I'm listening to right now while typing this - "You Are My Sunshine" by Johnny Cash.

Currently reading: Kuroshitsuji. I'm really bad at sitting down and reading books so I usually listen to audio books instead but I love collecting books for some reason skdjfhsdf, but keeping up with the Kuroshitsuji manga is easy since one chapter is released every month, and ngl, I would do the same to other on-going manga series but that would require me to... y'know, sit down and read a lot just to catch up skdjfhsd but I do have Vanitas no Carte in the backburner that I'll eventually get to reading in full. Same goes for the Sailor Moon manga, which I actually own the entire collection of, and I have read at least 3 volumes of it + the volumes with the bonus stories. But in general the collection is just... sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust 😭

Last movie: Uhhhh.... I used to watch movies so much but nowadays I'm too addicted to youtube content to really sit down and watch movies, because it's always such a hassle because every time a movie is over I'm sitting there like 'ok now what to watch' and then I get stuck in limbo of what I feel like watching skdjfhsd And youtube is endless. But I think that the last movie I watched was "Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution" with @jinanreona :3

Last show: ... Same thing here, I don't watch a lot of shows either. And if I do, I usually rewatch shows I'm already familiar with ksdjhfsdf I think the last show I watched in whole was The Walking Dead back in February. And a couple of weeks ago I watched a few Kuroshitsuji episodes with @dokitm! But I think that's about it skjdfhsdf

What are you wearing right now?: .... That is kind of a personal question, isn't it😏

Piercings/tattoos?: No tattoos, but I'd like to have one one day when I'm financially stable to get one skdjhfsd I've had plenty of piercings tho. I got my ears pierced when I was 7 and I still have those, and then when I was 15 I pierced them again so I had two beside each other on each ear. Then when I was 17 I got one for my nose but I let it grow away like 3 years later because I thought it always looked like I had a giant decorative zit on there skjfsd Then I got a navel one when I was 21, and I actually loved it a lot and had it for years. But then one day the jewelry came loose and I couldn't be bothered to get a new one and that one too eventually grew away. I've always wanted a tongue piercing, but it has just never really happened yet. Maybe some day~

Glasses? Contacts?: Reading glasses~

Last thing you ate: My lunch today - salmon in white sauce and boiled potatoes~

Favourite colour(s)?: For stand-alone colours my favorites are black and blue. For colour combos, my all-time favourite is black/white/red, and I also really like purple/pink/orange/yellow.

Current obsession: Uh... I'm very particular in the way I obsess about things skjdfhsdf I don't have a lot of things that I obsess over, but I have a couple that I keep switching between depending on what kind of content I'm exposed to and/or engage in at the moment. Like, for example, right now my current obsession is Breath of the Wild because I'm replaying it to get into the hype for Tears of the Kingdom that is coming out tomorrow (!!!!), and I've been obsessing about it for at least 2 months straight now just because of that. But like... even tho I've been playing a lot, I still don't play every day. And the days when I don't play, I'm obsessing over any of my other interests. And whenever I'm not obsessing over those, I'm obsessing over the one remainder thing. The other day I was obsessing over Warcraft lore because I was spending a whole day playing WoW, and before then I was obsessing over Genshin, and before then it was something else. I obsess over the same things but I do it in phases, and I rarely get new obsessions ksdjhfsdf And ofc, in-between all of these interests, I'm constantly (tho subconsciously) obsessing over Kuroshitsuji and Twisted Wonderland ( Sebastian and Malleus specifically ofc ) :'3 It's like when my mind isn't occupied with anything in particular, Sebastian and Malleus is always living rent free in my head, and I spend my time drawing fanart of them.~

Do you have a crush right now?: Nope. Thus is the life of a demi.~

Favourite fictional character: If I don't say Sebastian Michaelis here I cannot in good faith call myself the biggest Sebastian apologist to have walked this Earth.... but Malleus, Yuugi (ygo), Howl (howl's moving castle - mostly the book version because he's such a little shit there and i absolutely love it, but the movie version is what i was introduced to and it will forever hold a special place in my heart), Zhongli (genshin), Fiore (sailor moon), Mamoru (sailor moon - manga and smc have him much better fleshed out and i love it, but he 90s anime will obviously always have a special place in my heart because it is what i grew up watching ♥ ), Lady Mipha (loz: botw), and Harley Quinn (btas as well as the newer animated harley quinn series) are all ofc huge faves of mine as well ;w; There's absolutely more but.... we'd be here all day~

TAGGED BY: @gosutm , @jinanreona , @pomfiores (thank you guys!!) TAGGING: I think almost everyone has already done this one so I'm just gonna uhhhh tag some that I don't think have done it so uhhhh @casketdweller, @svmmoning, @niiveusx, @decayedhearts, @chxmpionofjustice, @universestreasures, && @ofcryptid!

[gustavofringmantitsfancam]

my favourite chunkloada dialogue is from in bruges. this is how i want to write dialogue, hell this is how i WISH i wrote dialogue. i like when it sounds natural and kind of awkward sometimes spoilers for in bruges but i dont think anyone gives a shit about this movie

It's like a fairytale, isn't it, that place?

Yeah.

With the churches and that. They're Gothic.

Yeah.

Is it Gothic? - Yeah. So he's having a really nice time?

Well, I'm having a really nice time. I'm not sure if it's really his cup of tea.

What?

You know, I'm not sure if it's really his thing.

What do you mean, 'It's not really his thing'? What's that supposed to mean, 'It's not really his thing'? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

Nothing, Harry.

It's a fairytale fucking town, isn't it? How can a fairytale town not be somebody's fucking thing? How can all those canals and bridges and cobbled streets and those churches, all that beautiful fucking fairytale stuff, how can that not be somebody's fucking thing, eh?

What I think I meant to say was:

Is the swan still there? - Yeah, the swan's… How can fucking swans not fucking be somebody's fucking thing, eh? How can that be?

What I think I meant to say was, when he first arrived, he wasn't quite sure about it. You know, there's that big, dual carriageway when you get off the train? It mightn't have been here when you were here last, Harry. Well, as soon as he got into, like, the old town proper, and he saw the canals and the bridges and, you know, the swans and that, well, he just fucking loved it then. Couldn't get enough of it, the medieval part of town. It was just that initial, dual carriageway thing sort of put him off for a second.

Don't know if I remember a dual carriageway.

Must be recent.

Hasn't spoilt it, has it?

No, no, no, it's just that initial thing. And you know what? As we were walking through the streets, there was this sort of freezing fog hanging over everything, and it made it look almost like a fairytale or something. And he turned to me, do you know what he said?

What'd he say?

He said, 'Ken, I know I'm awake, but I feel like I'm in a dream.'

Yeah? He said that?

Yeah.

Meaning, like, in a good dream?

Yeah. Of course, like in a good dream.

Oh, good. I'm glad he likes it there. I'm glad we were able to give him something. Something good and happy. Because he wasn't a bad kid, was he?

Huh?

He wasn't a bad kid, was he? Listen, take down this address. Raamstraat 17. That's 'Raam,' like 'Ram,' but with an extra 'a:'

Raamstraat 17.

You got that?

Yes, Raamstraat 17.

Good. There'll be a man there tomorrow morning at 9::00, his name's Yuri.

Yuri. - He'll give you the gun. Ring me on the public phone at Jimmy Driscoll's about 3:00 or 4:00 tomorrow, after it's done.

After what's done?

Are you being thick?

No. - Listen, I like Ray. He was a good bloke, but when it all comes down to it, you know, he blew the head off a little fucking kid. And you brought him in, Ken. So if the buck don't stop with him, where does it stop? Ken? If the buck don't stop with him, where does it stop?

It stops with me, Harry. That's an easy one.

Look, don't get shirty, Ken. Listen, I'm just glad that I was able… to do something for the boy before he went.

Do what for the boy?

You know, have him get to see Bruges. I'd like to go to see Bruges again before I die. What was it he said again about: Yeah, 'It's like a dream:'

'I know I'm awake, but I feel like I'm in a dream.'

Yeah.

Give me a call when he's dead.

the scene where ken goes to shoot ray is also great, and the scene directly after on the playground. i love how the characters in this movie speak if you ignore the abhorrent terrible things ray says because unfortunately hes not a good person 👍 its another one of those movies that make u reconsider the concepts of good and evil, id rewatch it again if i didnt have to sit through half the horseshit that spills outta his mouth thank god i had a colin farrell phase or i never would have watched this movie... same with the lobster and the killing of a sacred deer, which ALSO led me to discovering yorgos lanthimos. but thats another thing to get into entirely

[stillwanderingflame]

Loki finale

Take three. Too emotional the first two times, shouldn't have posted while I was still so deep in the feels.

I didn't love the ending, but that's okay. I'm sure I'm going to love all the discussion and dissection of it. I do really appreciate that they made s1+2 an arc on its own and even if they have other stories to tell, which has been hinted in interviews, there was closure to this main story.

Also, I put this in the tags last time but I think Tom is probably so proud with the arc he's taken this character through and he should be. It's been truly amazing to watch his portrayal over the years. I hope this isn't the last we see of Loki but I also know the reality of trying to continuously make movies while people get older/have lives/want to do other projects.

Some things that still remain true even after calming down:

Would've loved more time spent on Mobius and Sylvie realizing something had changed with Loki after all those loops. (shades of Edge of Tomorrow)

Maybe I'll feel differently on a rewatch but the transformation scene didn't hit me as triumphant. It made me think of King Loki from Loki: God of Stories, specifically the old, defeated version, which added to my overall sadness about the sacrifice Loki was making.

I have really mixed feelings about where they left Mobius.

I was expecting the last shot to be Loki on a throne but I thought he would give us a trademark Loki smile (albeit less evil) and the one we got...it hurts my heart.

Loki proved that Lokis are not destined to lose and I love that.

I also loved the whole start of the finale. I'm a sucker for time loop stories, especially when they lean into the comedy of repeated attempts to fix something (again, shades of Edge of Tomorrow)

Okay, feeling more sane about this now. I really can't wait to read the fic this episode inspires.

[ilovedthestars]

Tag Game

Woo I've never done one of these before! I was tagged by both @ineedlelittlespace and @snugglyeldritchjellyfish , thank you! :)

Rules: tag 9 people you want to get to know better. I know a lot of the people following me from discord already so I'm just gonna...tag some people lol. Feel free to ignore if you don't want to do the tag game yourself!

Last song: Never Gonna Not Dance Again by P!nk is playing in my headphones as I type this :) I love P!nk, I'm far too young to have been a fan since she got started but I discovered her newer music a few albums ago and she has a new one out that I've had on repeat all week. Love how brutally honest and yet optimistic her music is.

Last show: I don't watch a lot of TV, hmm...I think the last show I watched on my own was Good Omens, which was fun! I've also been watching Battlebots with my family over my break--we're a liiiiittle behind, we're still catching up on the 2021 tournament XD (don't spoil me!! we've got a bracket going!)

Last movie: Genuinely cannot remember. Possibly Into the Spiderverse, which I finally watched for the first time in like...September, and might rewatch tomorrow with my little brother before I head back to school. (It's sooooo goood)

Currently watching: 2-year-old Battlebots with my family, but that's it! I don't do a lot of TV.

Currently reading: I haven't been reading much lately, and when I do I tend do go through books in a day or two and then be done with them....I did just finish a reread of This Is How You Lose The Time War that I started months ago lol. Just as good on the second read through! That book is poetry, highly recommend.

Current obsession: Still deep in the murderbot fandom, although I don't know if I'd call it an obsession lately...I'm tired, lol. Other small-scale obsessions lately: the Wacom tablet I checked out over break and have been learning to use with Clip Studio Paint, the way the sun looked on the 7 inches of snow on the ground today, and really good vanilla ice cream.

Tagging some people, but no pressure if you don't want to! And if I didn't tag you but you see this and want to participate, consider yourself tagged :) @fishdetective @mercurialfeet @mintowls @just-a-lonelypenguin @cephaliarch (I can't tag your main for some reason??) and @voidlingremnata

[becauseimanicequeen]

Rewatching Once Again and To My Star 1+2

This is part of my Crazy-Ass End-of-Year Rewatch Challenge where I will rewatch some of my favorite shows, some of my least favorite shows, and some shows in between. I pulled another title out of the bowl (yes, I'm letting chance choose for me) and got Once Again. Then I added another Korean show to the post after pulling To My Star out of the bowl.

I can't promise cohesive thoughts in these posts because it's the end of the year, I'm currently living in right-brain land 10+ hours per day, and I'm TIRED because the darkness of winter is here. You've been warned.

Also, since these are all rewatches, there are spoilers ahead.

Once Again

I watched this show for the first time in December 2023 and it became one of my favorite shows (9/10) because I bawled through the whole thing. Since I am an ice queen (which my username clearly states), yet someone who believes that crying is a natural and healthy release of stuck emotions (and wish I could do more of it), I get obsessed with shows that make me cry. Usually that only happens with shows that portray loss and grief in some way. Once Again is one of those shows.

Also, it stars Moon Jiyong in one of the main roles (he's also been in The New Employee) and he can make me cry by just looking sad.

And when he cries in this show, I'm crying a whole fucking ocean.

The fucking nerve he has! lol

This rewatch was no different, emotionally speaking. I've been crying now for, I don't know, 2 and a half hours? Exactly the way I wanted to spend my night now that I don't have anything else to watch on Mondays.

Anyway, this is not a show for those who want the fluffy stuff. This one has a melancholic tone to it throughout the show because it follows Shin Jaewoo who, as he comes back home during a school break, is reminded of his childhood trauma where a college student (Kang Jihoon) saved his life but lost his own.

The guilt Jaewoo feels is also very palpable throughout the show, even in the more lighthearted moments when Jaewoo has traveled back in time and they both start developing romantic feelings for each other. The guilt and the melancholy are always there in the background.

The OST is great, too. "Other Side" by RUNY (the one at the end of every episode) is on several playlists I play frequently. 10/10, no notes.

So, thank you, my sad little show, for the tears I got to shed tonight. I feel so much lighter now.

Well, I've still got space in this post (and with space, I mean I haven't reached the image limit yet, lol) to continue with another show. I just pulled To My Star and will include both the first and second seasons in this post. Let's dive in!

To My Star 1+2

I binged both seasons of this show in September 2023 and loved them. I personally prefer the 2nd season (9/10) over the first (8/10) because I love angst. I feel like Hwang Daseul does angst and longing very well and her shows are always my go-to when I'm in the mood for the angsty shit (especially Where Your Eyes Linger, To My Star 2, and my new HDS favorite Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo).

The first season is the length of a movie and shows the origin story of Kang Seojoon (an actor) and Han Jiwoo (a chef). It's a great introduction to the characters and the cinematography is beautiful, which is why I love it. I mean, just look at those changing rainbow lights between them.

And this is during a scene when Seojoon is flirty and says he likes guys like Jiwoo. Gold!

But, honestly, the first season doesn't give me all that much. Not in this rewatch, at least. Maybe it's because I watched it right after Once Again, which gave me so much (a whole ocean of tears, for example, lol). Perhaps I should've waited an extra day before I watched this. But I was on a roll, so...

Anyway, I'll wait until tomorrow to start the second season...

And, I'm back!

One of the great things about the second season is that it's 10 episodes of 25-30 minutes (the finale is 43 mins) and I love it to bits for some (to me) very important reasons.

Call me a cynic, but I don't believe in happily-ever-after even in fiction (and there are several couples in QLs I don't see lasting even if a show/movie has a happy ending). So, I love it when I get a second season/movie where I can get to know the characters and their relationship on a deeper level, and how they face challenges. That's what I got in this season.

And just like real humans, Seojoon and Jiwoo aren't perfect. They make mistakes, misunderstand things, miscommunicate, etc. They're also both lovable idiots, which is exactly why I love them.

I already mentioned this before, but: The angst! I love the angst. And, to me, it's always great in Hwang Daseul's hands.

Another reason I love the show is that the flashbacks/time-jumping are seamless. There are several times at the beginning of the show that flashbacks happen when someone, for example, walks through a doorway (something I've wanted to write a post about for quite a while, but I haven't found the opportunity or the time. This is a reminder for me to do it, lol.). It's beautifully and smoothly done.

Another reason I love the show is because of the rural setting and all the outside shoots in the dark (it's a nostalgic thing for me).

There are several more things I love about To My Star 2, but I think I'll stop here because I have 3 new episodes of airing QLs I want to watch tonight.

So... Bye for now!

[sparkylilacs]

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Kid! Chapter 10

The next few weeks are a blur of the mundane. Still I knew my efforts were working when Ms. Wilt sent an email saying how pleased she was with my progress. Actually just hanging out with Hey is pretty fun although he insisted on fixing the web shooters even though I told him I wasn't going to live test them again. "Come on. I get you're trying to stay under the radar, but could you at least help me endurance test the new formula?" He asks me for the millionth time. Rolling my eyes I ask in return, "How am I supposed to do that?". 

"Just wear it in my room and shoot to the ceiling then hang there to see how long it holds,". Hey replies.

"Will there be pillows under me?"

He nods. "Then, yes sure," I reply.

"Alright," Hey says while scribbling in a notebook, "115 pounds of tension on WF7. Timer starting now,". I reach up and grab a hold of the string. "Why do you care if this works or not?" I ask. "Because I don't like to leave a project unfinished and I'm an engineer not a chemist so getting the formula right is a whole new challenge," he says.

"Right so this has nothing to do with getting me to try and be a hero again?", I say. Hey shrugs. After about five minutes of hanging I'm starting to get bored, but my arms aren't tired yet.

 "Hey do you have a- Woah. What are you doing?" Cringing, I feel my face grow hot. Just what I needed, to give Wanda more Spider-Girl ammunition. I was giving her an icy silence ever since she proved what a gossip she was at my second dinner here. Even though we shared a room I hadn't had a single full sentence with her. But she hadn't seemed to mind. We both knew this was temporary and both understood the other was honestly just trying to survive. That didn't mean though she wouldn't be spreading this all over school tomorrow. Hey unfazed as ever said, "Just an experiment. Jade has been kind enough to offer assistance with,". Wanda looked skeptical but apparently was too busy to pry further, "Oookay. Do you have a charger I could borrow?". Hey nods and hands her the timer, "If the string snaps stop it. Why do you need a charger anyway, don't you have one?".

"I do, but I left it in my locker. And I have to see the new trailer coming out for the Allie Dinsdale movie tonight," she says.

Curiosity overcoming caution I ask, "Who's that?". Wanda glances at me then answers, "The first winner of America's Star talent competition. She was also the oldest to ever win at thirty-one. She had a rare terminal cancer and died only a month after winning. All of her winning money and the royalties on her recordings were donated to cancer research centers. The movie is a kind of biography coming out the same day the twentieth season of America's Star airs next month,". 

"You sound really excited," I say. Which is an understatement. It's the most I'd heard Wanda say since I got here. She nods, "I love the show. I even rewatched the first season on Metube, the judges were like super harsh back then, well one of them was at least. It's a way nicer show now,". Meanwhile Hey disappears into a massive pile of junk spilling out of his closet. "Right," I say, not really understanding half of what she says. "Actually I'm a little unsure about the movie because they got an entirely new actress for the lead. I was thinking somebody established like Millery Tuff, but whatever, I'm not a casting director,". By now something was starting to catch in my brain, "Is this what that big Great Morning America performance is for?". Wanda looks at me genuinely surprised, "Yeah, it is. So you do pay attention to the world besides Spider-Man,". Embarrassed at her bringing it up again, I'm thankful when Hey comes out of his closet with a cord in hand, "Here it is!". They trade off the cord for the timer and Wanda is out like a shot to our room to wait for the trailer to drop.

As soon as the door swings shut the web snaps and I'm sent to the pillows on the floor. Hey stabs at the timer and looks up pleased with himself, "Nine minutes and twenty-seven point three seconds. Not bad especially if your average time spent on the web is less than a minute on average,". He seems to have missed most of Wanda and my conversation which is fine by me. I hadn't told him yet about my mom, really I hadn't told me yet either. I was still ignoring that revelation until I knew what to think of it. "Are we done here?" I ask to keep the conversation running. "Well, you can go I guess. Next I need to test the strength of it by pounds of force pulling it apart to see how much it can handle," Hey says, "But to properly test that I'd need access to machines they use in labs to test real spider threads,". 

"So we're done here right?" I ask again. "Sure, I guess we can call it done for now. I've been trying to find a harder casing. Since the strength of the web doesn't matter if you crunch the mechanisms against a wall,".

"You do that," I say, taking the shooter off and handing it to him, "I have to get ready for a meeting with my social worker anyway,".

Heading towards my room I hear a song coming out of it that stops me cold in the hallway. The song is unfamiliar, but the voice is unmistakable. I find I'm actually afraid to open the door even though I know it's just the trailer. I'm glad that nobody else is in the hallway to see my face because I'm sure it looks worse than when I saw the GMA commercial at breakfast. If I felt this bad, how was dad taking it? The thought made me hope he hadn't been watching tv lately. I might not have seen him cry before the night he left us, but there were a few times I'd come home and suspected he had been. I could also tell when he was missing mom because the fridge was pretty bare the next morning. That thought brought more guilt because I had been the one to put fruits and vegetables on the grocery list most of the time, was he remembering to get them every once in awhile? 

I thought he should, being an adult, but the more I learned about adults the more I wondered if he was okay without Beni and me. He was lonely without mom, but I knew he had been happy to have us. And what will he have now if he sees this? I ask myself. Pizza? Shaking my head I focus on what I need to do before my session with Ms. Wilt. And to get them done I needed in my room. Forcing a 'I couldn't care less' face, I open the door and grab my change of clothes as quickly as possible. Luckily when I get out of the shower Wanda is not in the room anymore and I take my time finding everything I need in my pack. Careful to make sure not a scrap of my Spider-Man folder is in it still. Actually I hadn't been adding to it since the spill at school. I guess it'd been a way to stay close to dad, but when my spider powers manifested I started focusing on getting his attention instead. Groaning at how that turned out. I head to Garcia's car, Mrs. Garcia is driving me there. 

At the foster center building I find myself feeling nervous walking in the familiar doors, even though I'm not in trouble, force of habit is my best guess. The feeling only gets stronger when I sit down across from Ms. Wilt. We go through the normal questions and answers. Catching me completely off guard Ms. Wilt is smiling widely at me. This makes me more nervous then when she's scowling at me. Probably because I'm not used to it. "I have some great news," she says. Now I'm worried, if she found another "permanent" family I don't want to hear about. Oddly enough I've liked staying with the Garcias, more than any other home I've been to. "I've talked with the Smith's and they are impressed with your behavior the past few weeks," Ms. Wilt continues,” So they are letting you have a meeting with Ben tomorrow,". She's still smiling at me, but I can't answer. 

A part of me can't believe this isn't a joke and the Smith's will change their minds tomorrow. As if she's reading my mind Ms. Wilt says, "It's a compromise. It will count as next month's visit too,". I nod because that makes more sense, "Where and what time?" I ask. "Two o'clock, and in their backyard," she replies. "Right, because they don't trust me in their house,". Shaking her head she says, "Just be glad they're letting you come at all. I'm proud of you Jade. You're really starting to really improve,". I mumble a thanks and rearrange the few things in my pack. "I truly think you've turned over a new leaf. I'll ask Mrs. Garcia if they can bring you here tomorrow and I will drive you to the Smith's myself,". Straightening up to go I turn back to her and say, "Thank you for everything. I know I'm not the easiest kid to deal with,". She smiles again and says, "Your welcome, but give yourself some credit. You're not the hardest I've worked with either,". Suddenly I'm smiling too.

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (756): Fri 12th Apr 2024

This morning I rewatched the brilliant horror comedies Happy Death Day and the sequel Happy Death Day 2 U. The idea of a time slip in movies is nothing new but a horror comedy time slip movie is quite an interesting spin on the concept. Jessica Rothe is pheominal in her role as Tree, the hapless college girl forced to relive the same day of her murder over and over again until she igures out who kills her and prevents it. Something I've never considered about the film before is the moment where Tree walks completely naked through the courtyard of her university realising that since no-one will remember as the day will reset itself anyway. It's a funny scene but I'm guessing Tree didn't bother trying to figure out who the murderer was on this day because if she prevented her death after doing this then everyone on the campus would remember the day she walked around with her tits and arse and whatever esle women have hanging out. I also really love the character of Danielle, Tree's roommante. She makes for such a great movie antihero because even though she's a total bitch to everyone she meets she's so fucking hot that I would totally still bang her. It's the same quandry I have with Louise Mensch....(actually that's quite a freaky thing to admit Anthony. Make sure that you go back and take that out tomorrow before you post the blog!) Apparently the producers and writers are trying to get a third film into development and I hope to fuck it happens because I want to see what interesting spin they put on the concept the third time round. 

I checked Twitter and saw that OJ Simpson died, a man who was guilty of nothing more than training his body to it's physical peak in order to be the best football player he could possibly be and of course murdering his wife and her lover. The fact that NO-ONE on the jury noticed that the reason the bloody glove didn't fit was because he was wearing a RUBBER glove underneath it is a remarkable inditement of the American legal system. The fact that a guy whose first words upon hearing over the phone from a policeman that his ex wife had been found dead were "Who killed her?" should be the thing that makes it painfully obvious to everyone that the cunt did it. I also can't believe that this guy actually had the balls to release a book entitled "If I Did It" detailing how he would have killed his wife if he did decided to do so. That's like wipping your arse on a book your Mum is reading and then pulling down your pants and saying "Look it couldn't have been me because there's still shit ON my arse". If there is a god then OJ Simpson will currently be reliving the night of the murders over and over again for the rest of eternity like in Happy Death Day (though like Happy Death Day there will inevitably come a moment where The Juice realises that nothing matters any more so he just decides to kill his wife, her lover, the dog and everyone else in the neighbourhood too, all while completely naked). 

[the-invisible-queer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhG5WK6N57M&ab_channel=TheEllenShow

interesting interview of them from the early era days- I don't know if "the extrovert" is the first way I'd describe Kevin, necessarily, but then again I don't really know the guy. also interesting to see them do an interview where they clearly aren't as polished/practiced. the difference of them in this video and an interview even a year ahead is pretty fascinating.

also, in the first few seconds we just get a shot of them running- without looking at when this interview aired, or waiting for them to tell you their names/ages as they do introductions, can you tell how old they are just by their hair?

Bestie.

The clip of them running is from the 3D concert movie.

That was 2008. So Kev was 21, Joe 19, and Nick 16.

But yes, if you send me any photo of the Jonas Brothers from any era, I can tell you what year and how old they were.

I know that most of my followers may be new to the Jonas Brothers so if this comes off condescending, I apologize, I was just expecting this to be from like 2005 or 2006.

This is 2008/2009 when they were at the height of their fame. That was THE Jonas era. The 3D concert experience and A Little Bit Longer had just come out.

Thank you for sending this interview because I watched it the night it aired. I believe it was 20/20 with Barbara Walters. Or it was in a similar time slot. I remember my mom telling me about them being on and being so excited. I do remember it being in the evening.

I watched it live AND we recorded it on VHS so I rewatched it a lot until my older brother recorded over it. Tragic.

I ended up live reacting to it as I rewatched it for the first time in like 14 years. Sorry not sorry. There's a cut under the video so it doesn't kill your dash.

I don't know what you mean about them not being as polished/practiced. That's just them. They do look tired, though. Which is valid. They were on top of the world only because of all the work they put into everything.

Joe's orange sweater over the button up is making me foam at the mouth like I'm 11 again. THE POWER THIS MAN HAS OVER ME!

Kev's face while Nick is talking about his diabetes. It's like he's reliving it. Baby boy baby.

You can see in Nick's face that he's not there to talk about his diabetes.

When Barbara starts asking about the purity rings, Nick has a little smile like he does not want to take that. And Kev looks like he's over it.

They're tired. Leave them alone.

But Joe's response: "For us it means that we'll treat ladies with respect...and I think just to be gentlemen. And do our best to make our mom proud." And that little smile. That man owned my ass at 19 as much as he owns my ass at 34.

I think in the early days the reason Kev didn't speak as much was less about being introverted and shy and more self-conscious about his voice. He used to get called gay and fag a lot just because of the way he spoke.

Nick's smile says "I am polite, but leave me the fuck alone".

Kevin is a dirty LIAR because he was definitely already involved with Danielle by this point. "Just friends" MY ASS!

This interview hits different since the breakup.

I included this because I need to talk about how loving and dedicated they are to their fanbase. There is a reason they have one of the most loyal long standing fanbases. And it is because they truly care about us.

Barbara: You're going to grow up. Your fans are going to grow up. No one is a teen idol forever.

Kevin: We hope that the fans will grow up with us.

Nick: Who's to say what tomorrow will bring? But we do believe our fans are amazing. And that they will be there for us forever.

Barbara: It doesn't usually happen.

Nick: It doesn't usually, but these fans are different. And like we said, we're all growing up together and they mean a lot to us. And I think they know we really do care for them. And I believe the favor will be returned.

They are the only artists I truly believe have a return parasocial relationship with their fans.

The love we give them is the love they give us back.

It's part of the reason I love them so much back then and it's a big reason I never left and why I'm still here.